Wilshere: Warm up games are key

Jack Wilshere has told us that warm up games, such as England’s Wembley date with Peru on Friday, are integral to his preparations for the World Cup.

The Arsenal midfielder missed 6 weeks towards the end of the Premier League season but still appeared in the Gunners’ last two fixtures including a brief cameo in the FA Cup Final at Wembley.

And the England star admits he’s now ready to step up his preparations for Brazil.

“I think these warm up games are key, it’ll be nice to get some minutes on the pitch,” he said.

“I’m just at the stage now where I need a few games. I had the last 30 minutes at Norwich and the last 15 at Wembley so I’m just desperate to get out there again now.”

However Wilshere was keen to emphasise that England’s warm up games aren’t just a fitness exercise for him, he believes the quality of his performances will be a major factor in whether he’s in Roy Hodgson’s starting eleven against Italy on 14 June too.

“There are only three games until the World Cup and there’s a lot of people wanting to play so it’s a bit of an audition,” admitted Wilshere.

“I’m excited, I’ve never been to anything like this before. I’ve been away with the young England squads but it’s nothing compared to this.”

“I’m going to Brazil to play in a World Cup so at the moment I’m just buzzing and excited and I just want to get over there and make an impact.”

However the 2014 World Cup is not the only sporting event Jack is looking forward to.

The midfielder admits he’s excited about this Saturday’s big fight at Wembley and says it’s almost too close to call who will come out on top when Carl Froch and George Groves climb into the ring this weekend.

“I will be there for Froch v Groves but I’m not sure who is going to win.”

“Last time Groves shut a lot of people up. People thought he was just this mouthy little Londoner but he walked the walk as well.”

“He’s had a lot of respect from Froch this time so it’ll be an interesting fight and if I have to say I’ll probably say Groves to win it.”